Write a commentDerrybeg Community Association have welcomed the installation of alley gates in Main Avenue after members met with, and lobbied, the Housing Executive.
Commenting on the development Chairperson of Derrybeg Community Association Stephen Murney explained "Back in July I attended a site meeting with a Housing Executive representative. Also present was long standing local community worker Anthony Coyle. This meeting was requested after local residents raised concerns with us about anti-social behaviour with these alleys being used as an access point.
"Groups of young people were gathering in the area and creating a nuisance to those who live nearby. This is unacceptable given that a number of elderly people residing in Main Avenue were also effected by this. On behalf of the community we relayed those concerns to NIHE who were very receptive.
"Myself and Anthony proposed that the two alleyways leading to the dumps area in Main Avenue be fitted with gates. Residents would be provided with a key for access and the area would also be enhanced and maintained on a regular basis."
The community leader added "We are delighted to see that our proposal was taken on board with the gates having now been put in place and residents who require access will be provided with keys once the locks are fitted.
"The gated alleyways bring the area in line with other parts of the estate who already availed of the alley gate scheme several years ago.
"We are confident that this will help reduce the anti-social behaviour that was taking place. We also want to urge our young people to avail of the facilities in the Derrybeg Community Centre. We have a range of activities available and are currently in the process of adding more to our events and activities programme."
